Fender '52 Tele, natural finish, crafted in Japan 2002-04. When you think of a Telecaster, the first image in your mind probably looks a lot like this. This one has had it's black guard painted white, but it's otherwise pretty faithful to the original and unbeaten design. The ash body and maple neck combine for a bright, tight and spanky take on the 'Tele twang'; there's a lovely crispness and definition to the tone that plays nicely with all sorts of amps and pedals. The soft-V neck is great if you're a thumb-overhanger; it's a natural fit for expansive rhythm playing. The grain of the ash is on full display under the natural finish; it's a simple but tasty look that really lets the tone to the talking. These vintage-style CIJ Teles punch very well against their Californian born cousins; there's a certain vintage panache to them that offers a little extra personality than the clean-cut USA contemporaries. Now, how many Springsteen songs do you know?

Model: Fender Telecaster '52 Reissue (TL52-70US)
Made: Japan, Dyna plant, 2002-04 (serial Q079269)
Finish: vintage natural (VNT), single ply black guard
Body: sen ash
Neck: one piece maple, mild V-profile, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Mods: guard painted white
Weight: 4.055kg
Pickups: Fender USA TL-Vintage single coils
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end. Neck is pretty clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples only. The back has some widespread but light and minor dimples and scratches, they're mostly around the bottom edge and ferrules. The sides have no major marks, just some dimples near the rear strap pin and around from the jack. The front has no major marks, just some light dimples behind the bridge and some play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets are in reasonable shape with some normal wear; they're fairly even in height with no major buzz issues but they do have the start of some pitting, 6/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.